AIM OF THE DEPARTMENT

The main purpose is the planned improvement of the genetic structure of some plants in the institutes' study area, depending on the needs of the growers and consumers, and the development of new varieties by making use of genetic and cytogenetic principles. Additionally, increasing the yield and quality of genotypes, developing varieties with high resistance to diseases and pests and maintaining the material at various breeding stages as a gene source are the other purposes of the department.

DUTİES OF THE DEPARTMENT

1- Developing new varieties and breeding lines with high yield and quality by market demands and industry needs by using plant breeding and genetics techniques,

2- Increasing the resistance to diseases for harmful and adverse environmental conditions,

3- To carry out fundamental and applied research by using new techniques and technologies such as biotechnology and physiology while performing these roles.

4- To register the developed varieties and lines,

5- To ensure the continuity of breeding material and to produce seeds at the elite level of the developed varieties,

6- Geographically marking and protecting local varieties and ensuring the continuity of existing gene resources,

7- To develop lines and varieties resistant to drought on a national basis in the "Drought Test Center" ,established in 2010, and to determine the tolerance levels of the existing material,

8- Carrying out the International Winter Wheat Improvement Program (IWWIP) under national coordination

9- To carry out and/or cooperate with national and international research on plant-based studies,

10- To run studies on the collection, identification, conservation, cultivation, and use of plant genetic resources in order to protect biological diversity and ensure its sustainable use in its study area.

Cool Climate Grains Unit

The unit runs research and development activities on Cool Climate Cereals (Bread and Pasta Wheat, Barley, Triticale, Oats and Rye).

Legumes and Industrial Plants Unit

The unit runs research on chickpea, bean, safflower, and buckwheat plants by using breeding and cultivation techniques.

Feed Crops Unit

Studies are carried out on Meadow Pasture Forage Crops (such as Alfalfa, Hungarian vetch, Sainfoin and Plum), Pasture Improvement and Management, and grazing methods, which are important for our region and country. In addition, improvement studies on corn and branched millet, which are hot climate cereals, are carried out under this unit.

Unit of Horticulture

To work on breeding and cultivation techniques in fruit growing, vegetable growing and viticulture in the Central Anatolian Region.